One of the ways that God shows us that he cares for our mental health is by providing us with the things we need - a great therapist, access to medication, time with Him, a good support system, or all of the above. Loving God with our minds can mean utilizing some of these things he provides.
Psalm 9:9. “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” The Good News: Depression can make you feel as though you're weighed down. But no matter how troubled you feel, this verse reminds you that the Lord is always there to support you.
One thing is certain -- King Saul was a long time sufferer of mental distress, whatever its cause. David had his moral weaknesses, but mental illness does not seem to have been a problem for him (at least not until much later in his life). He did, however, feign mental illness to get himself out of a bind.
Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Saviano says Christians typically view mental illness as a spiritual problem, assuming iniquity in the person's life led to the difficulties. “They don't recognize it can be a real biological illness that causes brain chemicals to be off balance,” Saviano says.
For many people, God is a source of comfort and strength, says researcher Matt Bradshaw, Ph. D; and through prayer, they enter into an intimate relationship with Him and begin to feel a secure attachment. When this is the case, prayer offers emotional comfort, resulting in fewer symptoms of anxiety disorders.
However, the diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, as discussed previously, provides a better explanation of the king's disturbed behavior as a whole. King Saul's disturbed behavior taken as a whole indicates that he was afflicted by some kind of a mental disorder.
The above verses (and others) about anxiety find their home in Hebrews 11:1 and what it tells us about faith. Anxiety in and of itself isn't sinful. Not trusting God is sinful. It's sinful to live as if you need to take care of yourself because you can't trust God to provide.
Anxiety is Noncompliant with God's Word
Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). Fear not (Isaiah 41:10). This is also commanded 364 other times in scripture, by the way. Let not your hearts be troubled (John 14:1).
One of the ways that God shows us that he cares for our mental health is by providing us with the things we need - a great therapist, access to medication, time with Him, a good support system, or all of the above. Loving God with our minds can mean utilizing some of these things he provides.
The possibility of Samson having been an autistic would predate the first known case of autism by centuries. The book of Judges, in Chapter 13 talks about Manoah and his wife, and the child promised to them by God: the child who is named Samson.
No matter the mental or emotional anguish we experience, God is not looking for sin. He's looking to help us know He's there with us … with love and grace! This concept is beautifully expressed in Psalm 37:23-26: "The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way.
Psalm 34:17-18
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Proverbs 12:25 mentions depression directly, "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad" (NKJV). That's a good place to begin.
Depression is associated with sin because people experiencing depression are seen to lack some of the spiritual fruits that are regarded as evidence of genuine Christian faith: When dealing with people in the church... some see mental illness as a weakness —a sign you don't have enough faith.
It's simply the result of uncertainty, and the bible teaches the idea that uncertainty is, essentially, distrust with the plan of God. It's not that anxiety is a sin, but that anxiety is the act of experiencing fears and worries that one wouldn't experience if they truly follow and show commitment to God.
In 2 Corinthians 10:5, the apostle Paul writes: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” It's by taking every one of your thoughts captive that you can fight off overthinking and find peace of mind.
Often anxiety and/or worry has been looked upon as an "un-Christian" feeling to have. But The Anxious Christian conveys the message that anxiety can actually be helpful in our spiritual formation, and that God can use anxiety as a catalyst to move people forward in their life of faith.
Samson, the Israelite hero and judge who was undone by the temptress Delilah, exhibited almost all of the symptoms of a person with Antisocial Personality Disorder, known in the psychology trade as ASPD.
A Christian Perspective on Bipolar
Bipolar is a very extreme, but healing is possible. The bible does not talk about bipolar, but it does talk about the war going on in our body and our heart. Bipolar is a mind at war against itself and God wants to bring peace to our lives.
Author: Jasper James. It has long been said that those with bipolar disorder are more creative than average. Famous bipolar individuals of the past include Ernest Hemingway, Frank Sinatra, and Winston Churchill.
Dear Lord Jesus, I come before you to ask for the restoration and healing of my mind. Thank you that you became fully human and walked amongst us, so you understand the complexities of the human brain.
Lord Jesus, we ask you to give us all around peace in our mind, body, soul and spirit. We want you to heal and remove everything that is causing stress, grief, and sorrow in our lives. Please guide our path through life and make our enemies be at peace with us.
Another Bible passage that speaks about anxiety is Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”